Holidays... : 14th September

On the 14th of September, at Cocotinos Resort, I went for breakfast at the cafe as usual. At the cafe, I saw the whole diving team gathering at the harbour, preparing to bring another team of tourist to dive at one of the many diving spots near Bunaken island.

When I saw them, I was contemplating within myself whether to go over and bid them farewell, seeing that it would be my last day at Cocotinos Resort. But, being a lady, I was too shy to go over to the whole group of guys, sitting down there on the wooden planks of the harbour. So, I just waved to them, and greeted them "Good Morning!"

As I sat down for my breakfast, Jackie, the diving guide, walked over and extended his hand. "So, today's your last day here, huh? I hope you enjoyed your stay here. Do come back here whenever you feel like diving again! Thanks for visiting our small resort." and gave me a warm and firm handshake.

'Thanks for visiting our small resort'? Geez.. I haven't heard people using that phrase since the 80s! I am suddenly humbled by that simple gesture. My eyes become red and teary as this is the last day that I will be spending at Cocotinos Resort in Manado!

Silently, my mind began conversing internally with my heart again, "Though Cocotinos is small, it feels really like home. It doesn't matter if your resort is small, Jackie. The most important thing is the extra human touch. Those smiles from the heart, the knowing wink and sparkle in the eyes, the earnest handshake, the extra effort and sacrifices, the silent understanding makes it cozy and comfortable. Even the soap smells of frangypanies, lilies and roses! Ahh... A home away from home indeed!"

At 11am on the 14th of September, 2008, we departed from Manado with a heavy heart. Not knowing whether we would be back, we leaned back against our leather chairs in the Air Asia plane and stared out into the window as the plane took off from the runway.